DOBSON — Clark Goings is the newest member of the Surry County Board of Education.

Goings was nominated by existing board members at a special called meeting Monday morning to appoint someone to the district five seat. The seat was opened with the death of Jeff Hall in December.

Goings, who resides in the Franklin Township, will take the oath of office at the Feb. 1 board of education meeting and assume the seat that evening. He will sit on the board until the May election at which time the seat will be opened. Goings may choose to officially run for the seat in that election. The winner of the election will assume the seat in July and serve until May of 2012, when the term for the seat officially ends.

Two people residing in either the Bryan or Franklin townships applied for the positions. Their applications, detailing their qualifications, were provided to board members prior to Monday’s meeting.

“We have two very well-qualified candidates,” said Earlie Coe, board chairman, of Goings and Michael Wall.

Goings was approved 3-0 after a motion by Michele Hunter and a second by Sue Stone. Vice Chair Brian Gates abstained from voting.

“He really has some good qualifications. He’s a real community leader I think. We thought he would be a real asset to the board,” said Coe of Goings.

Coe expressed his hope that Wall will seek the position in the May election along with Goings, a sentiment echoed by the other board members.

“I saw it in the paper and it just came over me that I should apply for that. I’ve always been a resident of Surry County and I’ve always had a good experience with the school system,” said Goings in a phone interview Monday. “I just hope I can be an asset to the school system and the board. I’m really interested in the children of Surry County.”

Goings has served as the past president, vice president, secretary and treasurer for the Beulah Ruritan Club, volunteered as a judge for the Surry County Schools science fair for 15 years, served for three years as a board member for North Surry High School, his alma mater, and presently serves as church secretary and home teacher.

He also served for 25 years as a member of the Surry Telephone Membership Corporation Board of Directors. Goings worked as an insurance agent for NC Farm Bureau, Southern Farm Bureau Life and Blue Cross-Blue Shield of North Carolina for 36 years.

“I have a background in serving on boards. I do have experience working with people and on boards,” said Goings.

In addition to the seat for district five, the seats in districts two, three and four will also be up for election this May. Those seats are held by Sue Stone, district two; Earlie Coe, district three; and Brian Gates, district four. The filing period for the election opens Feb. 8 and closes Feb. 26.

Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.